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This info only applies to parents/guardians of Beginning Band members.
Welcome to Beginning Band! This is going to be such a fun and unique learning opportunity for both parents and students, and I'm very excited to guide you through this adventure. Below you'll find information that may help answer some of your questions and that I feel is important for you to know.
Welcome to Beginning Band! This is going to be such a fun and unique learning opportunity for both parents and students, and I'm very excited to guide you through this adventure. Below you'll find information that may help answer some of your questions and that I feel is important for you to know.
1. We will do instrument testing (meaning finding the best fitting instrument for your child) within the first few days of school, so please do not go out and purchase an instrument now. We have to find the best instrument for your child that will make learning something new easiest for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to play the instrument in order to test on it? No, Mrs. Ballard will show you what to do.
Will it be loud and feel weird? Yes, and that's okay! We will have fun in the process.
Will I know right away what instrument I'm going to play? Unfortunately no. I have to take your results, go home, and spend time looking over every student's results to find the best match for YOU.
Will I get to play the first choice of instrument I really want to play? I will try my best to match you with your first choice, but sometimes your first choice is not the best choice. I want you to be successful and it come easy to you, and sometimes your first choice isn't the best fit. I promise the instrument chooses you.
Does instrument testing happen at night or after school? Testing happens during class, but it may take several days to finish testing.
What happens if I am picked to play an instrument I don't want? Talk to Mrs. Ballard first. I will listen, and we will work together to figure something out.
After instrument testing is over, how long will it take before I know which instrument I'm playing? I don't have an exact answer; however, it may take as little as 2 days or as long as a week. Please be patient, and I will announce instrument assignments as soon as possible.
2. After students are assigned their instruments, I will send home all the information you need on how to obtain your child's instrument.
I will be attaching links below soon about instrument rental process and which instruments are the best quality. Please DO NOT BUY OR RENT AN INSTRUMENT NOW! I promise I will provide you with time and enough information when the time is right.
Remember: many companies want to make a quick sale (especially online). There are great-looking deals and reviews all over Amazon for instruments that will break within a few weeks of use. Please stick with the recommended brands. It will save you money and stress in the long-run!
3. Lastly, I know that some of you may want your child to start playing sooner, rather than later. I strongly suggest that you do not allow your child to play his or her instrument before they've been taught how to do it properly in class. Beginners need constant reminders about posture, embouchure, and equipment. So, even a student with a sibling in band, or a student who has taken a few lessons will most likely be better off if they do not practice before the rest of the class.
The only way that this could work would be if a student was taking weekly lessons with a professional. This typically costs between $25-$40 per 1 hour lesson. This is not at all required, and my hope is that everyone will start when we begin together. However, if you do want your child to start early, this is the only way to avoid doing more harm than good. If you are looking for a private lesson teacher, please let me know, and I will point you in the right direction!
If you have any questions, no matter how small they may seem, please do not hesitate to contact me (tara.hymel@lpsb.org). I want this year to be a great one for parents and students, and I'm happy to help in anyway I can!
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